winning isn’t linear

Beyond the Podium: What Erin Jackson Teaches Us About Winning, Losing, and Legacy

Credit: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

In 2022, Erin Jackson made history.

She became the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal in speedskating — a groundbreaking achievement in a sport where representation has historically been limited. It was a defining moment not just for her career, but for the sport itself.

This year, she finished 5th.

No gold. No podium. No viral headline.

And yet — the lesson might be even more powerful.

History Isn’t One Moment.

Erin Jackson’s gold medal was historic. It shattered barriers and inspired a generation. It proved that excellence doesn’t belong to one mold, one background, or one path.

But Black history — and real legacy — is not built on a single win.

It’s built on persistence.

Black History Month isn’t just about celebrating victories. It’s about recognizing resilience. The willingness to keep competing, keep striving, and keep showing up — even when the outcome isn’t headline-worthy.

Winning Isn’t Linear.

In sports, just like in business, performance fluctuates.

Competition adapts. Pressure builds. Expectations rise.

One breakthrough moment doesn’t guarantee the next one.

Erin Jackson going from gold medalist to 5th place finisher isn’t a failure — it’s reality at the highest level. It’s what happens when you continue to compete among the best in the world.

And that’s where the marketing lesson lives.

The Marketing Parallel: Not Every Campaign Wins Gold.

In business, brands chase viral moments. They want the breakout campaign. The record launch. The headline-grabbing success.

But sustainable brands aren’t built on one win.

They’re built on consistency.

Not every campaign goes viral.
Not every launch breaks records.
Not every quarter sets new highs.

But the brands that endure are the ones that keep showing up, refining strategy, adapting to change, and competing at a high level — even when they don’t “win” every time.

Momentum isn’t built on perfection.
It’s built on resilience.

Legacy > Moments

Erin Jackson’s impact doesn’t disappear because of one race result. Her historic gold medal still stands. Her presence in the sport still matters. Her example still inspires.

Legacy is longer than one outcome.

In marketing — and in life — it’s easy to judge success by the latest metric. But real impact compounds over time.

A single win gets attention.
Consistency builds credibility.
Resilience builds legacy.

The Bigger Reminder

Sometimes you win.
Sometimes you don’t.

But growth, progress, and influence come from continuing the race.

Erin Jackson’s story is a reminder — especially during Black History Month — that breakthrough moments matter. Representation matters. But so does perseverance beyond the spotlight.

Whether on the ice or in business, greatness isn’t defined by one podium.

It’s defined by the decision to keep moving forward.